I was all set to head out for goceries etc., but my car wouldn't start. The battery came with the car (a 2002) and I figured it might be that. I did the usual things (cleaning the terminals etc.) but it still wouldn't start.

I have lived most of my adult life in a 2-car family, which makes jump-starting cars rather easy.

I left a message with the new neighbors, then suddenly realized that the neighbor on the other side of me is a top auto mechanic. I eventually got hold of him (the street pavers cut his phone land-line, but I guessed right about relatives and got his cell number) and he came over. He fiddled with some stuff, pronounced the battery the culprit, and offered to get one for me and install it.

The car now has a new battery, and my neighbor has some extra cash. He made a token refusal, but accepted it. Hey--how many mechanics make house calls?

And now I think I'll take a quick shower and then do the errands I was all set to do earlier.

Crisis averted.